Course Overview
The Foundation Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation will give the student an overview of the rescue, rehabilitation, management, and conservation of wildlife species. This includes both the practical management of wildlife cases from triage to release and the wider application of ecological, ethical, and social issues affecting wildlife. The programme combines practical wildlife rescue and rehabilitation of native species with the broader studies of wildlife population management and conservation. The embedding of practical skills and professional behaviours within the delivery is designed to promote the employability of candidates once they complete the programme. Central to the programme is the treatment of wildlife casualty cases carried out on-site by our Animal Rescue Centre.
Students will work with our veterinary team's experienced academic and technical staff to research presenting wildlife cases and assist with their proposed rehabilitation plans and eventual release. Alongside this, you will investigate the broader context of working with wildlife, including ecology, behaviour, conservation, legislation, ethics, human pressures on wildlife, practical care, and fieldwork skills.
Foundation Degrees are intermediate-level higher education qualifications. They emphasise work-based learning and concentrate on the development of personal and professional development and employability skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, the application of numbers and the use of information technology.
The University of Cumbria awards this course.
"The University of Cumbria enjoys a strong and longstanding partnership with Kendal College. Working with Kendal College supports the University's objective to increase higher education participation across the county, and this programme aligns well with the University's Mission to inspire and equip graduates, communities, the economy, and the environment to thrive. Your Course will be delivered by Kendal College and quality assured by the University of Cumbria."
Modules
- Wildlife Ethics and Legislation
- Animal Biology
- Wildlife Rehabilitation (Initial Assessment)
- Wildlife Rehabilitation (Captive Care and Release)
- Ecology and Conservation
- Animal Behaviour
- Marine Biology
- Wildlife and People
- Captive Management of Threatened Species
- Scientific and Study Skills
- Research Methodology and Data Analysis
- Wildlife and Habitat Surveys
Delivery of the course content will include formal lectures, seminars, small group work and supported independent study. Additional experience is gained through various educational visits, visiting speakers, wildlife surveys, and the ongoing assessment of wildlife casualty cases, presenting to our Animal Centre.
> Programme Specification (Word)
Assessment methods
Essays, group work, peer assessment, presentations, written reports, exams, projects, portfolios and practical assessments.
Additional costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:
- Recommended textbooks (approximately £100).
- Animal Rescue Centre scrub top and trousers (about £30).
- Copying and printing fees.
- Entry fees to organisations and establishments as part of educational visits.
- Optional group (overseas and national travel) volunteering opportunities.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to have a minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points, normally including an A2 in Biology or an MPP grade in a relevant BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma or equivalent (16 points can be from other Tariff Based Qualifications). GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Students with a disability are encouraged to apply for the programme.
Applicants to the Foundation Degree with experience working in this area but without the academic entry criteria will need to demonstrate their potential to succeed. This will be judged by submitting an essay of 1500 words on a topic set for them by a tutor before being offered a place. The essay must demonstrate that they have the potential to succeed on the programme in the view of the tutor.
After Your Course
On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, students may also have the opportunity to progress onto The University of Cumbria BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation Science Degree, based at the University of Cumbria in Ambleside, and subsequently seek work in wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife conservation or with animal welfare or environmental organisations.
Fees
£6000.00
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are per year.
Other costs may be associated with this course, e.g., kit, equipment, books, trips, etc. Financial support may be available to support you with these. See the Student Money pages for more information.
Degree-level student finance
Whether you qualify for student finance depends on specific criteria. The main student finance package for full-time students includes a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan for living costs. Part-time students can access a tuition fee loan to pay for their courses. Generally, you will only get student finance if you’re doing your first degree-level qualification. This is true even if your previous course was self-funded. For further information, please see www.gov.uk/student-finance.
It is possible to pay in full or via instalments.
The Access to Learning Fund is a non-repayable discretionary fund that gives students facing hardship extra financial support to access and remain in higher education. This can be accessed via the college. Please speak to Student Services for more information.
